- 1). Site the blackthorn tree in full sun or partial shade.
- 2). Choose a planting site with moist, well-drained soil. Blackthorns are not otherwise particular about the type of soil.
- 3). Plant multiple specimens 5 to 6 feet apart to use blackthorn as a trimmed hedge. For a tall, untrimmed screen, space the plants 8 to 10 feet apart.
- 4). Fertilize blackthorns once in the spring with a fertilizer formulated for flowering trees. Follow the product directions carefully for the proper amount to apply. Too much fertilize can harm the trees as well as lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers.
- 5). Prune for shape or size in late spring after the flowers have faded. Remove dead, broken or diseased limbs whenever found.
- 6). Mulch over the tree's root zone with a 2- to 3-inch layer of organic mulch. This will help discourage weeds, and conserve moisture. Keep the mulch 1 to 2 inches away from the bark of the tree.
- 7). Water the tree often enough to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Blackthorns do not tolerate drought so they require supplemental watering during hot or windy weather.
- 8). Propagate blackthorns by rooting softwood cuttings from the current season's growth.
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